HUMPHRIES INSISTS PLAY-OFF FAILURE WOULD NOT DEFINE HIM
07/05/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
LUKE HUMPHRIES insists missing out on the Premier League Play-Offs would not signal the “decline” of his career.
Cool Hand suffered a 6-5 defeat to Luke Littler in the Aberdeen final on Night 13 despite producing one of his strongest displays of the season.
The world No.2 now sits sixth in the table, just two points outside the Play-Off places, with only three nights of the regular season remaining.
Humphries takes on Josh Rock tonight at the First Direct Arena, knowing victory is vital if he is to try and successfully retain his crown.
The Leeds United supporter heads to a venue where he has won on both previous Premier League visits and is expected to once again wear his famous yellow and blue shirt.
Humphries is embracing the challenge rather than fearing it.
He said: “You’re confident, you’re under pressure, but you’re looking forward to it.
“This is a scenario I haven’t been in in the Premier League before.
“You’re not going to qualify easily every year. It’s just not how it works. Sometimes there’ll be years where you have to really find something deep, and it’s not going to go your way – you just have to understand that.
“I’m one of those players that understands that if I don’t qualify, that’s not going to be the decline of my career. It doesn’t define you.
“I have to accept that it’s not been my year, I haven’t played my best darts. So there’s lots of things – excitement, a bit of pressure on me, but also that adrenaline that I’m looking forward to. I can’t wait to crack on.”
Humphries also admitted securing a place on Finals Night this year would feel like a greater achievement than last season.
He added: “I think this would probably be more impressive than last year, because I’d already qualified by Night 13. It’s always nice playing the last three weeks with no pressure on your shoulders.
“Obviously, if I do manage to qualify, then I’m going to still feel like that pressure is on my shoulders to go on and win it because I’m going to be the reigning champion.
“I don’t want to be the reigning champion and not at least have a go at trying to defend the title.”
Image by Taylor Lanning.
